Aerodynamic and Environmental Flow
PHD

Why choose this course

The University of Surrey’s Aerodynamics and Environmental Flow Group conducts world-class research in experimental and computational fluid dynamics, with globally leading output in computational fluid mechanics, environmental fluid mechanics, turbomachinery and wind energy. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 80 per cent of our ‘general engineering’ research outputs were rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

A PhD programme in aerodynamic and environmental flow will allow you to test the cutting-edge of science and make new discoveries. Our excellent laboratories and facilities are nationally and internationally recognised, and a stage for world-class research. We provide a multidisciplinary environment where doctoral students from different disciplines can meet and work together on applied engineering research topics with direct impacts on society.

Our researchers also regularly collaborate with industry, including work with Rolls-Royce, Dstl, and Jaguar Landrover. We also host the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluids Systems and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Micro and Nanomaterials and Technologies.

What you will study

Our PhD in Aerodynamic and Environmental Flow will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.

It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You’ll be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD. You’ll learn how to conduct literature review, how to develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and how to collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, we’ll develop your skills and transform you into an independent researcher.

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees.

The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Research themes

Aerodynamics and environmental flow

Computational fluid mechanics

Environmental fluid mechanics

Turbomachinery

Wind energy

Research facilities

As a PhD student within the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences, you’ll have access to all our facilities, including our Environmental Flow laboratory and our fluid dynamics supercomputer cluster.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).

View entry requirements by country

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here. The University of Surrey is also an IELTS test centre.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Fees

Study mode

Start date

UK/EU fees

Oversees fees

Full-time

October 2018

£4,260

£20,800

Part-time

January 2019

£2,130

£10,400

Part-time

October 2018

£2,130

£10,400

Full-time

April 2018

£4,195

£20,000

Full-time

July 2018

£4,195

£20,000

Part-time

April 2018

£2,100

£10,000

Part-time

July 2018

£2,100

£10,000

For fees payable in 2018/19, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Overseas students applying for 2018 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.